Café Steinhof

Profile

When it opened in 2001, few would’ve guessed that Café Steinhof, an Austrian eatery, would be a good fit for Park Slope. Sure, it came with a provenance — it was born out of the monthly Austrian nights at now-shuttered Max & Moritz — and yes, the owner is authentically Viennese. But c’mon: The Slope’s famously meat-eschewing, organic-veggie-loving locals would just as soon protest a dog run as wolf down a wiener schnitzel. Yet the casual space, with German beer posters, a happening bar and cozy yellow lighting, manages to attract all sorts. The menu, full of Teutonic staples like brats, kraut and deliciously cheesy spaetzle, has hardly changed, but every night — and every weekend, for brunch — people line up for smoked trout, ridiculously-tender chicken paprika, and linzer torte. (The delicious cocktails, like a warming gluhwein and a sprightly elder blossom gin kir, and low prices don’t hurt either.) With live music and free movies on Wednesdays and Sundays, and $7 gulash on Mondays, Café Steinhof has become a neighborhood institution. Who needs Bavaria? — Melena Ryzik

Kitchen closes at midnight on Fri. and Sat.

Spaetzle, $12; kielbasa, $13; chicken paprika, $15; chocolate custard, $7